Central Washington University

In 2001 Central Washington University needed a comprehensive assessment of its student center, recreation, student housing facilities, and dining needs. B&D was brought in for this assignment and studied comparable universities and their facilities against the local off-campus retail, recreation, and housing markets. Interviews, focus groups, and surveys were utilized for both qualitative and quantitative information on the need for improved facilities. We developed a responsive program for a combined student union and recreation facility in the campus core, and assisted the school with an appropriate phasing and financing plan in order to mitigate disruption to campus while maximizing construction efficiencies. The $58 million, 228,262 SF Student Union & Recreation Center opened in early 2006 and included a 324-seat theater, a 1,000-seat ballroom, a track, gymnasium, rock climbing wall, fitness area, and dance studio. In 2007 this project received an ACUI facilities award and a NIRSA Outstanding Sports Facility award.